Using stories to explore the lived experience of alcohol consumption in people with diabetes mellitus

Charlton, Jacqui; MacDonald, Kath

Abstract

Background: Evidence supports the risks of dangerous episodes of hypoglycaemia, hyperglycaemia, or extreme glucose variability in type 1 diabetes during and after alcohol consumption. Minimal evidence regarding preventative self-care strategies exists, and people with type 1 diabetes can develop personal tactics to overcome risks. Combining the lived experience of managing alcohol consumption while living with diabetes will enrich new patient and health care professional education.

Methods: Participants were recruited from social media, and attended between one and three online storytelling workshops. Demographic data were collected by questionnaire, and qualitative data were collected by note-taking during the online sessions and evaluated by thematic analysis.

Results: Nine participants aged 18–36 years (type 1 diabetes = seven [three female], and type 2 diabetes = two [both male]) were recruited. Insulin administration was by multiple daily injection therapy (n=5 including one type 2 diabetes), continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (n=3) without hybrid closed loop, and sulphonylurea plus morning long-acting analogue insulin (n=1 type 2 diabetes). From the nine participant stories three diabetic ketoacidosis, three hypoglycaemia, and one extreme glucose variability episodes occurred. Four clustered themes were found: living with diabetes, managing alcohol, app development suggestions, and future development suggestions.

Discussion: New insights discovered were: distressing glucose risks including diabetic ketoacidosis episodes, misinterpretation of glucose and intoxication symptoms, trial and error approaches, and non-disclosure to health care professionals regarding severe glucose situations.

Citation

Charlton, J., & MacDonald, K. (2023). Using stories to explore the lived experience of alcohol consumption in people with diabetes mellitus. Practical Diabetes, 40(6), 17-23. https://doi.org/10.1002/pdi.2483

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 2, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Dec 6, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-11
• Deposit Date: Dec 18, 2023
• Print ISSN: 2047-2897
• Electronic ISSN: 2047-2900
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 40
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 17-23
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pdi.2483
• Keywords: type 1 diabetes, alcohol consumption, lived experience
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/3433052